MSA Safety Incorporated - Experts & Thought Leaders

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Jordan Hansen of Mount Olive (NC) Fire Department for being the latest recipient in the MSA Cairns® 1836 Fire Helmet Giveaway! MSA Safety teamed up with the NVFC to award four NVFC members with a helmet in 2025, with the final entry period in November. They thank MSA for their support of volunteer first responders.

Global safety equipment manufacturer, MSA Safety, Inc., announced that the latest edition of its revolutionary self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), the MSA® G1™ XR 2025 Edition SCBA, has received U.S. government approval from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and certification from the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) as compliant to the 2025 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 1970 performance standard. Fire departments can order the MSA G1 XR 2025 Edition immediately, and production is scheduled to ramp up over the next several months at the company's manufacturing facility in Murrysville, located just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Latest evolution of the G1 SCBA platform Unveiled earlier this year at the annual Fire Department Instructor's Conference in Indianapolis, Ind., the G1 XR Edition is the latest evolution of the G1 SCBA platform and features enhancements to various soft goods and Bluetooth® indicators. This latest edition of the G1 builds on 10 years of continuous innovation driven by firefighter feedback and aligns with meeting the new NFPA performance standard requirements. NFPA 1970 performance standard The 2025 Edition of the NFPA 1970 performance standard consolidates several prior standard editions, including 1981 and 1982, and mandates three primary upgrades to the SCBA. These upgrades, which are now available in the G1 XR 2025 Edition, include: A change in the end-of-service time indicator: An alarm bell on the SCBA will ring when the air supply in a cylinder is at 31 percent remaining for a 4500-pressure-per-square-inch "PSI" system. Prior standard editions called for this alarm to ring when the air supply in a cylinder was at 35 percent remaining. A change in soft goods: All soft goods, including the straps and emergency breathing pouches, on an SCBA are now removeable by a firefighter for easy cleaning. New requirements to Bluetooth connection indicators: Located on either the SCBA's control module or on the heads-up display inside the firefighter's facepiece, this indicator confirms radio connection to the SCBA. The location of the indicator is dependent on the type of radio the firefighter is using for communication. Latest enhancements to the G1 SCBA "As the needs of the fire service continue to evolve, our team remains at the ready to continue to innovate and earn the trust of firefighters around the world," said Steve Blanco, MSA Safety President and Chief Executive Officer. He adds, "The latest enhancements to the G1 SCBA are a reflection of our mission at work – developing solutions that will advance worker health and safety." Range of innovative solutions To address the needs of firefighters, the G1 SCBA platform features 15 U.S. patents covering a broad range of innovative solutions to enhance safety, comfort, situational awareness and operational efficiency. These features include standard voice amplification and radio interface capability, an advanced electronics platform powered by a single rechargeable battery, and an integrated telemetry solution.

Firefighters throughout France face different challenges on the job daily and may need a variety of equipment to help keep them protected and safe. From fire helmets to the latest connected technology, MSA Safety, Inc. has the expertise in fire safety solutions to help firefighters and fire brigades enhance efficiency and safety. This MSA Safety expertise will be on display this week at the National Congress of French Firefighters in Le Mans, France. Latest generation of the F1 design At the Congress, MSA Safety will be featuring its MSA GALLET® Fire Helmets and the MSA Connected Firefighter Platform. 2025 marks a significant milestone for the MSA GALLET line, as the GALLET F1 celebrates its 40th anniversary. With decades of continuous innovation in fire helmet design and safety, GALLET F1XF serves as the latest generation of the F1 design. Forefront of fire helmet innovation Over the past 40 years, the GALLET F1 has been at the forefront of fire helmet innovation Through the past 40 years, the GALLET F1 has been at the forefront of fire helmet innovation. Developed in collaboration with the Paris Fire Brigade, the GALLET F1 revolutionized firefighter protection with the introduction of the first “jet-style” helmet. This breakthrough came in response to a facial injury sustained during a fire intervention, sparking a bold new approach to helmet design focused on safety and functionality. Introduction of full-face masks By featuring an ocular visor, this unique and patented system enables the visor to be adjusted to the face to help avoid risk of projectiles. With the F1 evolutions, and the introduction of full-face masks in the fire service, the gold and clear face shield helps to protect the face not only against radiant heat, but also against electrical risks, arc flashes and high-speed particles, due to its UV filter and design in polycarbonate materials. GALLET® F2XR rescue helmet In addition to this milestone, the MSA team will be highlighting the GALLET® F2XR rescue helmet In addition to this milestone, the MSA team will be highlighting the GALLET® F2XR rescue helmet. The GALLET F2XR rescue helmet is multi-purpose, including certified for water operations, and features innovative accessories, like an integrated ocular visor and modular ear protection covers, that are suitable for water rescue missions and approved for use on motorized boats. It’s also recognized for wildland firefighting, technical rescue, urban search and rescue, and climbing, providing firefighters a versatile option that can help to enhance their safety during incidents. Latest enhancements to MSA's Connected Firefighter Platform Congress attendees can also experience the latest enhancements to MSA's Connected Firefighter Platform, an ecosystem of internet-connected technologies that help fire and rescue services better manage PPE and related data associated with use and maintenance. The ecosystem includes the M1 SCBA, MSA’s modular breathing apparatus system; the MSA HUB, a wireless, cloud-connected gateway for on-scene and remote monitoring; and the FireGrid cloud platform solution. MSA Safety and the MSA M1 SCBA MSA Safety and the MSA M1 SCBA were recently ranked as the number one work of choice in UGAP MSA Safety and the MSA M1 SCBA were recently ranked as the number one manufacturer of choice in the Union of Public Purchasing Groups (UGAP) in France. The pioneering public purchasing center in France, the group is a public industrial and commercial establishment (EPIC) that implements responsible purchasing policies and measurable corporate social responsibility operations. Recognition of its regional economic contributions “Our mission is to help firefighters stay safe and accounted for, and we do that by designing protective equipment and connected solutions that help to elevate firefighter safety,” said Dave Howells, President of MSA International. Dave Howells adds, “We’re proud of our long legacy in France and the work our team does in supporting local industry and firefighters. Our manufacturing plant in Chatillon, where GALLET helmets are made, received the Origin’Ain label in recognition of its regional economic contributions, and our GALLET helmets are approved by the French Ministry of Interior for French Civil Defense, furthering our commitment to helping protect the firefighters who keep communities safe.” For the 131st edition, MSA is in booth ROT-F14. Keep up-to-date with the latest National Congress of French Firefighters happenings by visiting the website or following MSA Safety's social media platforms.

Firefighters are flocking to Indianapolis for FDIC International. Much of the week-long event is dedicated to classroom instruction and hands-on training. Connecting and networking In addition to learning, firefighters are connecting and networking on a scale unprecedented since the pandemic. There is also a spirit of gratitude to first responders for keeping communities safe. For the first time, FDIC International is co-locating with the JEMS Conference and Expo for the EMS market. Equipment manufacturers emphasize new technology in a large exhibit hall at FDIC International, where firefighters can see and touch the latest products, from protective clothing to hand-held devices to large fire apparatus. The event even spills into the outdoors, where displays comprise large aerial equipment and activities include skill competitions. Interact directly with firefighters It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters" Exhibitors embrace the opportunity to interface directly with firefighters. “It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters,” said Jason Traynor, MSA Safety’s General Manager of Global Fire Service Products.” “They can meet with us directly, get a sense of who MSA is, how we operate, the kind of people we employ. Coming to the show is about that connection with the people who have to do the work and have committed themselves to a selfless career.” G1 SCBA and LUNAR “It’s about the time we get to spend with the people, and introducing new technologies is also important." The MCA Safety exhibit emphasizes the company’s focus on human-centered design and products that work together in a connected firefighter platform. They include the G1 SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and the LUNAR-connected handheld device, which complements the SCBA with search-and-rescue and thermal imaging capabilities. The two are connected and can send data back and forth. If either goes into alarm, LUNAR becomes a beacon that can help firefighters locate a partner based on the signal strength of the beacon. In effect, the combination provides objective data to aid decision-making in an emergency. Fotokite tethered drone, software MCA is highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness MCA is also highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness (with visual or thermal imaging) and connectivity to understand the fire scene better. MCA’s software helps departments monitor people, processes, and products for a deeper understanding of the work they do. The broader ecosystem enables them to view firefighting more holistically. Gas Laser National Gas Leak Detector The FDIC show is the first since the pandemic to occur at its regularly scheduled time. One exhibitor estimates attendance is about triple what he saw at the show last August, almost back to 100% of the pre-pandemic level. In addition to firefighter attendees, who were willing to brave the threat of COVID, many distributors and sales reps are returning to the show. Teletype Gas Measurement Instruments had two orders pending just one hour after the exhibition opened, said Alan Skinner, Regional Manager. Teledyne’s Gas Laser Natural Gas Leak Detector is a handheld device that can quickly scan common venting points from a safe distance. AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera Several exhibitors at the show mention the usefulness of feedback from users and show attendees in guiding product design. Seek Thermal employed information about real problems in the field when designing its AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera, introduced at the show. The simple, durable product is easy to control; there are only two buttons, so no confusion in an emergency. Situational awareness A smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making The AttackPRO complements Seek Thermal’s smaller and familiar RevealFirePROX camera, an affordable personal thermal imaging camera for everyone in a department. The smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making and is a “fire attack tool,” said Brent LaSala, Director, Global Marketing at Seek Thermal. Comfortable clothing Clothing for firefighters makes up a big part of the show floor, and the trend is toward more comfortable clothing with a better range of motion. 5.11 Tactical is approaching the challenge with flexible fabrics, including a poly-cotton blend, and adjusted fit. The trend extends to the company’s lighter-weight jackets, outerwear, and duty uniforms, which seek to combine an “old-school” aesthetic with better comfort, said Aaron Shick, Sr. Manager, Strategic Accounts and Channels, 5.11 Tactical. fully electric fire truck Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck Rosenbauer America showed off a fully electric fire truck, which will go into service next month at the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck from the ground up. Rosenbauer worked closely with the Los Angeles Department to address the specific challenges and obstacles of how the new truck fits into the city’s needs. Revolutionary Technology electric truck The Rosenbauer RTX (Revolutionary Technology) electric truck can travel 60 miles before it needs a charge and can operate 30 to 90 minutes at a fire scene before needing a charge; the average fire call is about 25 minutes. If the battery depletes to 20%, a diesel generator kicks in and can power the truck for several hours for an extreme fire. The truck is also 8,000 pounds lighter than a conventional apparatus. The 13kW Volvo Penta drivetrain is powerful, reliable, and noise- and emissions-free. Training and operating procedures “Anything that a traditional apparatus needs to do, this truck does, and more,” said Mark Fusco, VP of Sales & Marketing, Rosenbauer America. In Berlin, Germany, a similar truck has been operating for several months in an initial trial. It ran 440 calls and only needed to engage its generator to recharge two times. “In deploying this truck, departments will need to consider various factors such as training and operating procedures,” says Fusco. NFPA-approved truck “You can fit more loose equipment on this truck because there is more usable space. This is an NFPA-approved truck, and it is exceeding expectations.” Two more Rosenbauer electric trucks are being demonstrated in fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, and another truck is coming next year.

Technology has played a role in firefighting since the beginning; in fact, portable water pumps were found among the ruins of ancient Egypt. As bucket brigades gave way to electric pumps and internal combustion motors displaced horse-drawn fire engines, firefighting has benefited in terms of greater efficiency and lives saved at each point along the way. Technologies boosting the efforts of firefighters include drones, robots and other high-tech innovations. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Which technologies will we see in ‘the future of firefighting'?

Thermal imaging is an advantageous tool for firefighters on the frontline. As thermal cameras have become more compact and affordable, their availability has expanded, along with their usefulness. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does thermal imaging serve the needs of firefighters and how is it changing?